Animal Planet: The Mole

04/06/2011

Booking It With Jeremy Wade

If you're a fan of "River Monsters," rejoice: the show's third season soars to life this Sunday at 10 p.m. Host and master angler Jeremy Wade returns with more extraordinary fish that are sizable, scary, and almost unreal. You can check out a preview on the "River Monsters" page.

And there's an added treat to enhance your viewing is Jeremy's new book "River Monsters: True Stories of the Ones That Didn't Get Away" (Da Capo Press, $26.00). Written in his conversational but informative style, the book brings both the creatures, and Jeremy's own energy, to life. It's illustrated with cool photos, including some of a very young Jeremy--and a shot of the Amazon Lake monsters that rivals anything you've believed about the elusive Loch Ness monster!

Renee Sedliar, the executive editor of Da Capo Press, offered The Mole some new details about the the book:

What prompted the idea for this book?

Each hour is jam-packed with adventure, but there's so much more that goes into each episode than can be explored in that hour's episode. The biology/myth/folklore/history of these underwater creatures, and what their survival (or potential eradication) means for us all, warrants a deeper look that could be better explored in book format. Additionally, fans want to know more about the fish, and Jeremy. A book was the right avenue to share all the behind-the-scenes info that each episode doesn't have time to convey.

Viewers often feel they know Jeremy, because of his down-to-earth manner. What surprises will they learn about him in his book?

Jeremy shares previously untold stories about his life predating the show--from his first catch as a boy, to his earliest adventures in the Amazon, and his most extraordinary near-death experiences. Readers will gain insight into what drives him, and they'll feel they know him even better, learning what goes through his mind when he's on the hunt, if the monsters meet/exceed/fail to meet his own expectations--and what happens when things don't turn out as planned. The book explores how he approaches each expedition, the unique methods he uses---and a secret that's been driving him his whole life.

With so many stories to choose from, what was the decision process on which ones to include?

Jeremy chose his "favorite" monsters, as well as responding to viewer favorites, and the chapters detailing expeditions from the upcoming season capture some of the most fascinating fish. These include one that Jeremy's been obsessed with his entire life, and never thought he'd see in person, let along catch.

The book seems to be an ideal companion for season three of "River Monsters" and its new stories.

Not only does it describe some of the amazing catches from the upcoming season, but even stories from previous years help illuminate how Jeremy approaches each quest, the nuts and bolts of how he tracks down the "monsters." Ultimately the book offers must-read into Jeremy's drive and obsession with finding these fish, and separating fact from fiction. The "monsters" from the new season are some of the most intriguing yet. The book provides in-depth detail, and Jeremy's inimitable commentary. Readers will feel they've been given a once-in-a-lifetime pass to experience these adventures firsthand.

Renee, thanks so much for a peek into the pages of "River Monsters: True Stories of The Ones That Didn't Get Away."

Check out new episodes of "River Monsters" on Sundays at 10 p.m., beginning April 10.

And, order a copy of "River Monsters: True Stories of the Ones That Didn't Get Away" now!